Welcome to new look Mumii, the woman's magazine for every mum out there.
Mumii 14
Make sure that your baby is comfortable for travelling
Dress your baby in something ultra comfortable. After all they are going to be potentially sat in their car seat for quite a while (it’s recommended that you take them out of their seat at least every couple of hours for a break), and it could be hot, or cold, or a mixture of the two.
Babygrows are ideal. There are no elasticated waist bands to dig in or get sweaty.
Be prepared for baby changing
Most places now provide baby changing facilities nowadays - BUT these are not always as clean as you might like or expect. Pack some antibacterial spray so you can give any iffy-looking areas a quick wipe to give you peace of mind. Don’t forget to take lots of baby wipes, as these can be used for all eventualities – they have a multitude of uses besides baby changing.
You have a couple of choices with regards to a changing bag. We would recommend packing your usual changing bag but also having to hand a travel version for when you need a quick change and just need the basics – mat, nappy, wipes and nappy sack.
In your larger bag make sure that you pack plenty of baby grows as a mixture of travelling, change of routines, water and so on can cause a baby to have either exploding nappies or become more sickly than usual. We love the Minene Ella Changing bag, as you can use this either as a shoulder bag or a rucksack, giving you more versatility while travelling.
Pushchair or baby carrier?
This is really down to personal preference, where you are travelling and how well your baby will settle in either of these. There are some fantastic lightweight strollers designed specifically for travelling, including some designed for tiny newborns. The Babyzen YoYo Plus is a good example of these, and you can incorporate a luxurious babynest suitable for a newborn which allows them to lie completely flat - yet still allows you to fold the pushchair (with nest in place) and place it in your overhead compartment on a train or plane.
Alternatively you may decide that a baby carrier is the best thing – you can use it in addition to, or instead of, a pushchair. Make sure that you have used it before your go off on your travels to ensure that it’s comfortable for you to use and that your baby will settle in it.
For those travelling in the summer or to a hot country, take a look at the Ergobaby Ventus, which is designed with this in mind. It incorporates moisture-wicking fabric to keep both you and baby cool, is relatively small (so you can stuff it in the bottom of your pushchair if you are using one at times) and most importantly, is very comfortable to wear.
Journey
The best advice here is to be prepared for all eventualities. Be prepared to be stuck in traffic on the motorway and be prepared for your flight to be cancelled. Allow lots of time for all the unpredictable elements connected with travelling with a new baby!
Take plenty of provisions for your baby, including cooled boiled water - air conditioning in cars and planes can be very drying on the throat. Of course your baby will need feeding – this could be breastfeeding which is on-tap when they need it, or could be formula and (later on) food. Take more than you think you need for the journey and make sure that you don’t introduce new foods or a new formula during this time.
For those of you using a formula, the MyFeed System allows you to prepare a bottle in a quick, effective and hygienic way. If you love innovation which makes your life easier, you will love this. It goes without saying that you should take lots for your little one to do and look at – favourite toys are a must but also something new to interest them is advisable.
The Sassy Light Up Caterpillar attaches to a car seat if you need to and is full of new colours and textures for your baby to look at and explore.
There is no secret to successful travelling with your baby. Some love travelling in the car and take to it like a duck to water, while others seem to just hate it. However, if you are prepared and try to relax and take it in your stride, you will soon be relaxing at your holiday destination.
